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ahobbitsreadinglist's review
emotional
funny
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
lost_windsock's review
emotional
lighthearted
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
What a delightful book! I had trouble putting this one down. I loved the concept of this book- finding love with the bartender of the bar where you're scheduled to have 8 consecutive blind dates that all require rescue in some form. Adding in the little meet-cute with Nova before the days begin was a nice touch, too, though I was confused about what circumstances brought they about in the first place and I feel like it didn't get explained well enough. That's the only thing in the whole book that bothered me, though, and the rest of it was just perfect. Each date helped us learn more about both Ben and Nova, and the more we learned, the more I adored them. Poor Ben had to have such a terrible time, but it led to his happily ever after eventually, and Nova was able to prove to him early and often that he could trust him to be there for him. Also, once they actually got together, holy hell, they were incredibly hot together. There was definitely a little bit of light kink in there, and it really fit the characters so well. E.M. Lindsey adds another banger to their catalog with this one, that's for sure.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcohol, Antisemitism, Bullying, Cursing, Infidelity, Physical abuse, Sexual assault, and Sexual content
Minor: Death of parent, Pregnancy, Stalking, and Suicide
claudiavk's review
emotional
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
terriaminute's review
DNF, 29% in:
The fundamental problem with this plot is that most self-respecting adults would've bailed after the first 'date,' let alone the second one. Particularly since there is an interested alternative, right there.
My suspension of disbelief has snapped.
Sigh.
The fundamental problem with this plot is that most self-respecting adults would've bailed after the first 'date,' let alone the second one. Particularly since there is an interested alternative, right there.
My suspension of disbelief has snapped.
Sigh.
writtenechoes's review
2.0
just fyi this was not a romcom. v misleading marketing. most of the dates made me v uncomfortable and I didn’t understand why Ben kept putting himself through the drama. and nova was very manic pixie dream guy.
alexisisreading's review
4.0
This was cute!!! Hallmark movie vibes to the extreme. Ben is set up on 8 blind dates as his Chanukah gift from his brother Aaron. All the dates occur at the same bar, and do not go well at all. Each one is worse than the previous. Luckily, cute and flirty bar owner Nova is there to provide all the excuses to get Ben out of the terrible dates. The slow burn was good! The progression from strangers to saviors to wanting more. I also kind of liked Nova's insistence on Ben finishing out all 8 dates even though they had really wanted to be together by date 5. Nova's insecurities seemed very valid but I would have liked to get to learn more about him. I felt like he didn't get enough page time. ALSO the smut once they finally get together????? Excuse me????? The book had seemed so, like, wholesome and then all the sudden it was like BAM Nova has some hidden depths lmao (I mean this in a good way).
sickofgames2013's review
5.0
I will admit I don't know much about Jewish holidays aside from the ones I've read in EM's books. I thought it was interesting to learn about Chanukah, and to learn the different ways to celebrate that holiday.
I really felt for Ben, his brother decided to set him up on eight different dates so maybe he wouldn't be so lonely anymore. However, after the first few dates, Ben's starting to wonder if his brother's 'gift' was more of a punishment than a gift. Although it's not all bad, because the person who has helped him get out of those horrid dates is Nova.
I truly enjoyed reading this book, I'm not used to there being so many laughable moments in a book by EM, although I'll be honest, those scenes that make you giggle are also scenes that make you wince simultaneously. I have know idea how the author came up with so many characters for each of the eight Dates, I loved how they took the time to do that. To make those moments believable and realistic.
The relationship that developed between Nova and Ben was so sweet, and so special. They formed a unique bond after they first met, and from that moment on they grew feelings for one another. I loved the slow burn! As much as I wanted Nova and Ben to go on their own date, I liked how EM wrote Nova's character. How Nova wouldn't take Ben on a date until he finished his eight Dates. I liked that aspect, if not only added another horrid date for Ben to go on, but it also made the moment when Ben and Nova got together that much sweeter.
Overall I really enjoyed this book, and I highly recommend you to read this book!
I really felt for Ben, his brother decided to set him up on eight different dates so maybe he wouldn't be so lonely anymore. However, after the first few dates, Ben's starting to wonder if his brother's 'gift' was more of a punishment than a gift. Although it's not all bad, because the person who has helped him get out of those horrid dates is Nova.
I truly enjoyed reading this book, I'm not used to there being so many laughable moments in a book by EM, although I'll be honest, those scenes that make you giggle are also scenes that make you wince simultaneously. I have know idea how the author came up with so many characters for each of the eight Dates, I loved how they took the time to do that. To make those moments believable and realistic.
The relationship that developed between Nova and Ben was so sweet, and so special. They formed a unique bond after they first met, and from that moment on they grew feelings for one another. I loved the slow burn! As much as I wanted Nova and Ben to go on their own date, I liked how EM wrote Nova's character. How Nova wouldn't take Ben on a date until he finished his eight Dates. I liked that aspect, if not only added another horrid date for Ben to go on, but it also made the moment when Ben and Nova got together that much sweeter.
Overall I really enjoyed this book, and I highly recommend you to read this book!
indiekay's review
5.0
Holiday Romance Readathon 2023: 2
4.5 stars
I friggen LOVED this one. The only thing that is keeping me from a full 5 stars is that I wish it had a epilogue with Nova meeting Ben's family.
I loved the concept of this - it's a niche trope, but I love stories where someone is trying to date a lot of people to find the One, and the one is someone watching and supporting them from the side lines. I also really liked both Ben and Nova.
4.5 stars
I friggen LOVED this one. The only thing that is keeping me from a full 5 stars is that I wish it had a epilogue with Nova meeting Ben's family.
I loved the concept of this - it's a niche trope, but I love stories where someone is trying to date a lot of people to find the One, and the one is someone watching and supporting them from the side lines. I also really liked both Ben and Nova.
nikkinana's review
5.0
Great holiday read. I was doing a holiday reading challenge and needed a non-Christmas book. I came across this one and decided to give it a try. It's my first time reading this author. I loved this book. I loved the Jewish representation and Chanukah theme. The eight blind dates for each night of Chanukah premise was unique and boy were those dates entertaining. I mean are people really that wacko. I'm asking for Ben. This book had the perfect mix of humor, sweetness and spice. I really loved Ben and Nova. I really wish there was a bonus epilogue because I couldn't get enough of them.